LaunchPad - INW

Spokane Regional Networking, Social Media, Professional and Business Development

The Circle of Giving!

I remember many years ago after my then 5 year old son Little Dennis was killed. At that point, I had many adversities in my life but this topped them all by a landslide. I believe that this is the worst tragedy that could befall any parent. While reaching out to find answers and find my purpose in life, I reached out to many people, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Dr. Denis Waitley, Connirae Andreas, Foster Hibbard and many others all of which were more than happy to lend a mental hand. All of them are authors or professional speakers and at that time I had no way of knowing that they would influence me and start me on my wonderful journey that I am on today. One person I reached out to his name was Joel Weldon. He wrote me back and said he would help and wanted me to become a part of the Circle of Giving. I agreed.

Little did I know that this simple concept would help to shape and mold my beliefs, character and actions. Back in those days it was all about me. This was a true paradigm shift because I embraced and learned to transform me to we. My mother tried to teach me that the more you give the more you receive all my life but I didn't listen, I wanted to do it my way. She also told me that the key here is to give not to receive, but because it’s the quality of your character.

I have found that there are two primary reasons that people change. Inspiration and Desperation. Guess which it was for me? That's right! Desperation. For most people its desperation. The current climate that our country is faced with is the best example of this. Anyway, back to my story.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend and out of the blue she told me of a family that was struggling to get a Turkey so she, her two kids and mother could have a Thanksgiving dinner. This friend of mine had no way of knowing that one of the myriad of ways I give back is I adopt families for Thanksgiving and Christmas as my own small way to provide a measure of quantum solace to others during their time of need.

So we went shopping and bought a nice fat turkey, pies, salads, canned goods, cake, potatoes, bananas and other trimmings. When we arrived and walked into this young lady's apartment with 6 bags of groceries, her son Caden ran up with his arms stretched open and as I bent over to give him a hug I wasn't expecting him to jump into my arms and almost pulled me to the floor.

As I looked up, just the sparkle his mother's eye as she quietly whispered "thank you" and gave me a hug made it all worthwhile and brought a tear of joy to my eyes as I said "Happy Thanksgiving!" I felt like Loran Eiseley's The Star thrower... I made a difference to that one. Happiness truly is the experience of living each precious moment with love, grace and gratitude, to reach out and touch somebody's hand to make this world a better place.

On the drive back home I turned down the music and thought about the three doorsteps I appeared on yesterday, the expression in their eyes and smiles on their faces gave me a warm internal feeling and I reflected on what Joel brought to my awareness so many years ago, the very concept that my mother lived her life by... "The Circle Of Giving!"
NEXT!!!

Tags: attraction, charity, giving, gratitude, helping, leadership, love, universe

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Comment by Terry Canfield on November 27, 2008 at 3:56am: Dennis, What a touching story... Thanks for sharing your joy! One thing that is characteristic of what I like to call "U.S.ers", is that although we do consume a lot in this country and we quite often have a "me first" mentality, tragedy and trials cause us to rise to the occasion, both indiviually and as a nation. This holiday season may we all remember that it is truly a blessing to give.

Comment by Dennis Mitchell on November 27, 2008 at 6:37am: Hi Terry,

That's sweet, U.S.ers. Oh yes, tragedies are tests from the universe that present us with opportunities for growth and lots of character building.

"One person can't make a difference to everybody, but everybody can make a difference to one!"

Comment by Jeremy Anglin on November 27, 2008 at 7:02am: Great story Dennis! What we don't know, but can only assume is the fact that your giving to that family probably became their inspiration. Who knows what difference they are making in in other people's lives now, because of your inspiration. Our effect on this planet can be huge with the simple gifts that we can give.

Comment by Dennis Mitchell on November 27, 2008 at 7:33am: Jeremy,

You are absolutely right! We can't determine the outcome as some will "catch it" sooner that others and a lot of factors come into play here, some it will reinforce their current beliefs, and others well... that's another story.

Sometimes people tell me that they don't have anything to give. That's simply not true, they can give of their time by going to a homeless shelter and donating time, or those clothes that has been sitting in the closet that has not worn for years or give a kind word that might save someone's life that might be on the edge contemplating suicide. There are unlimited ways of giving and just because it may seem small to us, it could be HUGE to someone else!

The gift of giving just keeps on giving!

Comment by Julie Shepard-Hall on November 27, 2008 at 8:09am: Dennis - Thank your for sharing such an inspirational story. There are so many people who are sad and lonely...and yet have so much to give. I know that when I was going through a severe bout of depression I finally decided to get involved ith Habitat for Humanity. I got so busy helping others that I didn't have time to be depressed. Helping others has kept me from falling back into that depression. Everytime I start to think about whatever situation I'm facing, I just remember there are so many others who are facing great challenges than I. Each of us are blessed in so many ways and if we would just pay it forward we could make a huge difference in the lives around us.

So, pick up a few gift cards today and pass them out while you are on your way to Thanksgiving dinner. If everyone on this LaunchPad helped one person today just think how many smiles we could start.

Comment by Dennis Mitchell on November 27, 2008 at 9:20am: Julie,

It's those daily little habits that make such a huge and profound difference. What you mentioned is key. Anytime we help others when they are in need the law of reciprocity comes into play and life rewards us ten fold. Who reaps the most rewards, the giver or receiver? They both do but actually the giver is the greatest beneficiary because not only are they making a contribution to life, they are modeling attitudes, beliefs and actions for others to pass it on and show some love!

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